Arizona to let California try Sharper case first

PHOENIX (AP) -- Arizona authorities say they won't seek to extradite former NFL All-Pro safety Darren Sharper on rape charges until his sexual assault case in California is resolved, but Sharper isn't waiting for officials in Arizona to act.

Sharper's lawyers asked a court in Phoenix on Tuesday to hold a hearing to determine whether their client can be granted bail in Arizona, arguing that the former player is being deprived of due-process in not getting such a hearing.

Sharper remains held in Los Angeles after being denied bail last week on charges that he drugged and raped two women in October at a nightclub.

He also is charged with drugging and raping two women in Tempe, Ariz., in November.

Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery says prosecutors will wait until after the California trial to put him on trial in Arizona.

Montgomery said Wednesday that if Sharper is convicted in California, it could strengthen the Arizona case.